Followers of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr took to the streets today after prayers to condemn a visit by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and demand U.S. forces leave the country.
Around 2,000 supporters of the cleric demonstrated in the town of Kufa, chanting anti-U.S. slogans one day after Biden paid his first visit to Iraq since Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was reappointed.
Sadr's movement has won a powerful place in Maliki's new government, with seven ministries.
Biden visited Iraq on January 13 for talks. Iraqi officials said he and Maliki did not discuss keeping any U.S. troops in Iraq beyond the withdrawal deadline.
Reuters
Around 2,000 supporters of the cleric demonstrated in the town of Kufa, chanting anti-U.S. slogans one day after Biden paid his first visit to Iraq since Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was reappointed.
Sadr's movement has won a powerful place in Maliki's new government, with seven ministries.
Biden visited Iraq on January 13 for talks. Iraqi officials said he and Maliki did not discuss keeping any U.S. troops in Iraq beyond the withdrawal deadline.
Reuters
